The trail stretches for 90 miles (140 km) along a former Pennsylvania Railroad right-of-way as well as adjacent land from the Genesee Valley Canal.

The low grade path is a multi-use trail which is well suited for hiking, biking, horsebacking riding and cross-country skiing.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation was a partner in the Greenway's management prior to transferring jurisdiction of their lands to NYS OPRHP in 2010.

[3] The Genesee Valley Greenway intersects with the Erie Canal Heritage Trail south of the city of Rochester at the Genesee Valley Park, thereby forming part of a network of green corridors for hikers and cyclists stretching across New York State.

[1] Because the northern portions of the Greenway are converted railroad track bed, it is relatively smooth, straight, and level.